Few experiences rival the thrill of breaking the shackles of conventional life and embracing the open road. Our guest, Kelly Halldorson, and her family did just that, converting a school bus into a mobile home and traversing through 35 states over three years. 

Kelly called their project The Unschool Bus, and they inspired us to purchase a bus and travel the world, so it only felt natural to connect on our podcast and thank Kelly for the inspiration.

Kelly and her family embraced the freedom it offered to travel full time in a converted school bus but also faced quite a few bumps on the road, from logistical challenges to discrimination, but this experience shaped an incredible journey that they wouldn't trade for anything.

The open road isn't the only unconventional path the Halldorsons have taken. Ditching traditional schooling, they adopted an unschooling approach to education, a choice that came with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. As they navigate this journey, they have not only redefined learning but also their relationship with each other. Kelly gives us a raw and insightful look into their lives, painting a vivid picture of the beauty and complexities of unschooling.

But the Halldorson family's journey wasn't only about transitioning from a conventional life to an unconventional one; it was also about personal growth and resilience. Kelly shares her battle with cancer and how it profoundly shaped her outlook on life, instilling a sense of urgency to live fully and mindfully. Through all these experiences, Kelly has harnessed her empathy gene, embracing post-traumatic growth and becoming an inspiration for many. 

This episode is a testament to the family's resilience, offering insights into a unique way of living and learning that has defined their incredible journey.

🗓️ Recorded November 9th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@KellyHalldorson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyhalldorson42
• Website:https://www.kellyhalldorson.com

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
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Meet Karen Ricks, a brave woman who relocated from the US to Japan, reshaping her life and changing her perspective on education. Her journey is an invitation to a new world where societal expectations about education and productivity are dismissed, and personal goals are set free from the need for external validation. From living in snowy Japan to exploring the warmth of Bulgaria and Italy, Karen's nomadic lifestyle and her experiences provide an enlightening perspective on life, education, and personal growth.

Karen's thoughts on the de-schooling process challenge the status quo, urging us to reconsider our views about traditional education. The concept of un-schooling takes center stage as Karen talks about her own experiences, demonstrating how letting go of society's preconceived notions about education can lead to unexpected personal and academic growth. She also shares the struggle of balancing a nomadic family life, the joy of culinary adventures, and the art of maintaining connections with local communities.

Engaging with Karen as she reflects on her experiences of moving and adapting to different climates and cultures reveals the importance of seizing opportunities and overcoming fear. She shares the thrill of culinary adventures and the ways they've reshaped her relationship with food. The conversation closes on a high note, with Karen sharing her views on gratitude, taking risks, and creating meaningful connections with people and communities. Her tale isn't just about a nomadic lifestyle and an un-schooling approach to education; it's a testament to personal growth and the pursuit of happiness in its purest form.

🗓️ Recorded November 6th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬

• https://www.facebook.com/OurKitchenClassroom/ 
• https://ourkitchenclassroom.com/
• https://medium.com/@karenmricks
• https://www.facebook.com/KarenMRicks
• https://www.instagram.com/karenm.ricks/
• http://www.karenricks.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-m-ricks-378468107/

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss

SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
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Randall Hardy joins us for a conversation on the complexities of parenting and the journey to adulthood. Randall shares insights from his own parenting journey; and together, we promise to redefine your understanding of 'childism', family dynamics, and preparing children for adulthood. You'll learn to identify and rectify the problematic ways we sometimes communicate with children and reflect on whether perfection is truly the goal in parenting or simply being 'good' is enough.

We'll take you through a discussion on the challenges modern society presents in nourishing strong family bonds and the implications of mandatory schooling. Randall's perspective on these topics will make you question conventional thinking on parenting and family life. Creating a family-friendly space at home, the significance of family meal times, and the importance of making family time a positively memorable experience are just a few of the many aspects we cover. 

This episode doesn't shy away from challenging the status quo of child-rearing norms, from the necessity of children having their own rooms to the assumption that children become the state's responsibility after a certain age. 

With a deep dive into the financial implications of schooling and discussions on parental responsibility, we aim to provoke thought and encourage listeners to make informed decisions. Above all, you'll gain an understanding of how our ultimate job as parents is to equip our children with the skills they need to become capable adults, making this episode invaluable for anyone on the intricate path of parenthood.

🗓️ Recorded October 25th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Mexico

▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬ 

• Randall's blog: "No Nationalisation of our Kids": https://northshropshe.wordpress.com/
• HEFF2023 Talk by Randall: https://northshropshe.wordpress.com/2023/08/29/when-governments-are-not-listening/
• Randall is also a team member of The HE Byte – Commenting on the UK EHE political scene: https://he-byte.uk/
• Book recommendation: Michaeleen Doucleff - Hunt, Gather, Parent:
  https://michaeleendoucleff.com

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
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Have you ever considered that societal norms and structures may be limiting your autonomy? 

Join Cecilie, Carla, Luna, and Sarah, when they challenge these conventions and explore the empowering nature of leading a values-based life. We discuss how unschooling - a deviation from the norm, sparks enlightening conversations and insights. We thoroughly investigate how our values, culture, and upbringing guide our decision-making and how these elements influence our ability to make unconventional choices.

We venture into the concept of individual sovereignty, questioning how external influences shape our choices and how awareness of these influences can empower us to live authentically. We approach the topic of parenting from a different angle, exploring how we, as parents play a role in shaping our children's empowerment. We discuss the balance between guidance and freedom and how it impacts our children's development.

Transitioning from traditional schooling to unschooling can be a daunting process. We engage in a candid discussion about the courage and challenges inherent in this transition. We share insights on how to create an environment of freedom in making life decisions and how questioning the established rules can pave the way to personal freedom. Listen in as we explore these thought-provoking subjects and take responsibility for our own education and that of our children.

🗓️ Recorded November 14th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Mexico

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
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Dive into an enlightening episode of our podcast where we explore the transformative world of alternative education models with Patrick Farenga, a luminary in the homeschooling and unschooling arena. This episode promises an in-depth look at the evolution of education, from traditional classrooms to innovative concepts like charter schools and micro-schools, and the impact of the global pandemic on educational approaches.

Core Discussion in this episode:

• Historical Evolution: We journey through a century of educational shifts, witnessing the transition from conventional methods to modern alternatives.
• The Unschooling Philosophy: Unravel the essence of unschooling with Patrick Farenga, exploring its potential to reshape societal norms, parenting, and work-life balance.
• Debating Education's Value: Engage in a critical discussion on college education's relevance and financial implications, contrasting the tuition landscapes in the US and Europe.
• Insights from Experience: Drawing from Farenga's rich experience and our collective perspectives, we explore the challenges and triumphs of unschooling, highlighting its role in fostering trust and lifelong learning.

We also touch upon the future perspectives of unschooling:

• Envisioning Educational Futures: We speculate on the potential future of education and work, considering the increasing shift towards unschooling and remote learning methodologies.
• Societal Implications: Reflect on how mainstreaming homeschooling could reshape educational structures, emphasizing inclusivity and breaking down age-based segregation in learning.

This episode offers a rare opportunity to rethink education's role in our lives and society. Patrick Farenga's insights, combined with our analysis, present a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities within alternative education. Tune in for a session that promises to enlighten and inspire, whether you're an educator, parent, or lifelong learner keen on understanding the evolving landscape of learning.

🗓️ Recorded October 16th, 2023. 📍Coma Ruga, Spain

▬ Connect with Patrick Farenga ▬

• Website: https://johnholtgws.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoltGWS
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Johnholtgws 
• Growing Without Schooling on Amazon:  https://amzn.to/49LYeL0  

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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SUPPORT & CONNECT
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Unschooling enthusiast Alex Wildrising joins us for this episode. Have you ever considered unschooling but grappled with doubts and skepticism? Together with Alex, we guide you through our journey, pointing out the significance of relationships, open dialogue, mutual trust, and understanding in reshaping perspectives, especially of skeptical partners.

Navigating through the podcast, we unravel the art of managing unschooling alongside partnership. Together, we underscore how generous communication and allowing each individual to trust the process are quintessential. Not only will this establish a well-functioning dynamic where everyone is aware of their role, but it also nurtures a relationship built on trust, making the transition to unschooling smoother and more rewarding.

Closer to the end, we delve deep into the essence of building strong relationships and trust in parenting. Alex illuminates the journey of letting their partner partake in their children's educational development, allowing a unique bond to form. We also discuss the art of breaking down the learning process into manageable steps, mitigating the consequences of parental anxieties on a child's learning.

So, tune in and let us inspire you to consider the beautiful world of unschooling!

▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬

https://www.tiktok.com/@wildrising
https://www.instagram.com/wildrising/
https://www.facebook.com/alex.arnott.73
https://www.youtube.com/@alexwildrising293
 
🗓️ Recorded October 15th, 2023. 📍Coma Ruga, Spain

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss

SUPPORT & CONNECT
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Are you ready to challenge the status quo and question conventional wisdom?

Join us, as we welcome back Jen Keefe in a revolutionary conversation that has the potential to shatter traditional assumptions about education, parenting, and societal norms. We examine the journey of Jen's daughter, who, despite being homeschooled, exceeded all expectations and aced her driving test, proving that homeschooling does not limit a child's exposure or readiness for the 'real world'. Along the way, we also embark on an exploration of a series of historical murders initiated by four families, emphasizing how homeschooling can provide immersive and enjoyable learning experiences.

Ever wondered about the influence of conformity on our moral compass? We dive headfirst into this thought-provoking topic, examining why as a society, we are so desperate for acceptance that it often skews our morality. We are not afraid to question societal norms, asking which rules are worth observing and which ones are meant to be broken. We also talk about lifestyle changes, such as adopting a plant-based diet, and how it can positively affect our personal integrity.

We conclude with an engaging discussion on the transition from childhood to adulthood, both on a personal and educational level. Jen shares her experiences with partying, the aftermath, and the lessons learned. We broach the subject of 'unschooling' and its potential to challenge traditional education. We tackle the constraints of adult conformity, the beauty of choice, the struggle with social anxiety, and the power of authenticity. Finally, we explore the realm of parenting, emphasizing the importance of openness, vulnerability, and adhering to strong value systems. So, tune in for what promises to be an enlightening and enriching conversation.

🗓️ Recorded October 14 th, 2023. 📍Coma Ruga, Spain

▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬
Website: https://ponderingjen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ponderingjen
X: https://twitter.com/ponderingjen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ponderingjen/
Jens podcast: https://www.hirejensvoice.com/real-womens-work-podcast
Jens podcast on X:  https://twitter.com/realwomenswork

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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SUPPORT & CONNECT
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Meet Bria Bloom, Executive Director of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE) and a passionate advocate for alternative education methods. Raised in the philosophy of self-directed education, Bria didn't attend conventional schooling until age 16. She later designed her own baccalaureate and earned an M.S. in early childhood education. Today, she wears multiple hats: running PDX Flying Squads, an adventure group for young people; co-hosting the podcast Rethinking Self-Directed Education; and offering parent coaching in partnership parenting.

In this episode, Bria challenges traditional notions of schooling and emphasizes the importance of language semantics in understanding alternative education methods like unschooling and age mixing. She also discusses the transitions of unschooled children to higher education and questions the standards of the traditional school system. The episode concludes with an introduction to 'flying squads,' self-directed communities that learn in urban settings.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on parenting and education. Tune in to broaden your horizons on self-directed education!

▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬

• Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE) - https://www.self-directed.org/
• Bria Blooms website: https://briabloom.com/ 
• Flying Squads: https://www.flyingsquads.org/
• Brias Flying Squad group: https://briabloom.com/pdx-flying-squad/ 
• Bria Bloom on SubStack: https://partnershipparenting.substack.com/ 
• Here is the podcast interview Bria mentioned in our talk: https://playvolutionhq.com/ool_0041-defining-self-directed-education-2/

🗓️ Recorded October 13th, 2023. 📍Coma Ruga, Spain

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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Join us on this exploration of attachment parenting, respectful parenting, and unschooling, where we examine the strong biological connections and implications in our parenting choices.

We unpack the misconceptions around attachment parenting and discuss how a values-based unschooling life can emerge from it. This episode helps you understand the nuances of attachment parenting and the importance of forming secure attachments for a child's growth and development.

Listen in as we tackle the challenges of mainstream parenting that often conflict with our natural instincts. The impact of societal expectations and norms, as well as our own childhood experiences, are discussed in depth.

We look at how rules set by experts can lead to a disconnect from our natural instincts and biology. We share our thoughts on the importance of providing a safe environment for children and how trust and respect are key elements in attachment parenting

Finally, we explore the concept of unschooling and discuss the damaging effects of micromanagement in parenting. We stress the importance of open dialogue, understanding power dynamics in family conversations, and exploring reasons behind a ‘no’.

We shed light on the natural consequences of unschooling, and how it fosters exploration, growth, and a secure attachment between parent and child. Tune in for this insightful discussion, which is sure to help you reflect on your parenting choices and the potential impact on your child's life.

🗓️ Recorded October 13th, 2023. 📍Coma Ruga, Spain

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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SUPPORT & CONNECT
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Laurie A Couture is an expert in childhood developmental trauma and attachment, and the author of "Nurturing and Empowering Our Sons" and "Instead of Medicating and Punishing." In this episode, Laurie shares her groundbreaking insights and introduces the Couture Protocol, a transformative 12-dimensional system for trauma recovery, emphasizing the importance of tailoring education to individual needs.

We dive deep into the challenges faced by parents in today's society, exploring how labeling and controlling children within the educational and mental health systems can have detrimental effects. Laurie sheds light on the pressures placed on children in conventional schooling, often masking underlying trauma and stifling their authentic selves and interests.

Our discussion also delves into the lifelong significance of secure attachment and its impact on a child's development. Laurie provides valuable insights into the consequences of a lack of secure attachment and how it can lead to a materialistic approach to life and difficulties in forming healthy relationships in adulthood. We also explore the challenges and solutions of homeschooling as a single working parent and the unique importance of physical love and nurturance, especially for boys and young men.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in creating a brighter future for our children.

🗓️ Recorded October 12th, 2023. 📍Coma Ruga, Spain

 ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬

• Lauries website: https://laurieacouture.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieacouture/ 
• https://www.facebook.com/LaurieACoutureAuthor/ 
• https://twitter.com/laurieacouture 
• Book: Instead of Medicating and Punishing - https://www.amazon.com/Instead-Medicating-Punishing-Childrens-Acting-Out/dp/1932279970
• Book: Nurturing and Empowering Our Sons - https://www.amazon.com/Nurturing-Empowering-Sons-Laurie-Couture-ebook/dp/B0BZ1F9SK2 

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
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